Water

Photo by Pedro Sosa

Last Monday, there was a general strike in most of the country. One of the reasons for the strike was to protest the lack of access to water in many areas of the country. The photo at the top captures some neighborhood kids trying to figure out how to get their water home.

A couple of days ago it rained buckets, but since the weather has been beautiful and breezy. At least in the shade. The city (Santo Domingo) is going around and cutting down some of the most beautiful trees. There has been mass outrage at this action, especially in the Colonial Zone, where they cut down some magnificent trees in Duarte Park (Padre Billini btw. Duarte & Hostos), which is where a lot of the residents (and Gays) gather. They have been replaced with Palm trees, which offer no shade. At least not yet. I don't understand the logic, and it seems neither do many residents. Here is an article about residents banding together to stop the slaughter.

Did you know that the Pan American games are taking place in Rio de Janeiro right now? If you were in the Dominican Republic you would be aware of it. The DR is doing very nicely in the medal count right now. Yudelkis Contreras, Dominican Weightlifter, won a gold medal. The Dominican National Anthem was the first played at these 2007 games. There is nothing like Track & Field, Gymnastics, Wrestling and Swimming, to make a summer day just drift by.

Bill Clinton flew into the country yesterday. He was here to stop by the Robert Reid Cabral Children's Hospital. His foundation donated money to the hospital for treatment of over 600 HIV-positive children. He was met at the airport by a throng of reporters, along with his friend, Oscar de la Renta.

Casa New Yorker is still open. It is being run by a former employee, Daniel. Same website, same information. If you would like to speak with them directly, call 809.689.3017.

For anyone in town this Friday, Ajoupa Galeria de Arte, in co-operation with the Hatian Embassy, is having an exhibition. Showcasing artists Michele Claude Garoute, of Haiti, and Wilson Abreu, of the Dominican Republic. The exhibition starts at 7:30pm @ Ajoupa Galeria de Arte, located at Calle Mercedes #255, Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo. The phone number is 809.682.9134.

Galeria de Arte Ajoupa

Last Saturday, I get an invitation to a gallery showing in the Colonial Zone. I have to be in a certain mood to do certain things. At least that what I always think. Didn't really feel like going, but then I promised. As usual, I'm so glad I went. The gallery is called Galeria de Arte Ajoupa. It is located on Calle Las Mercedes #255 (btw. Jose Reyes & 19 de Marzo). It was their one-year anniversary, and they were showcasing works by Hatian, Domincan and Cuban artists.

At the gallery, there was an even mixture of Dominicans and Hatians, with a few foreigners thrown in to season up the cultural stew. The one thing everyone had in common, was the love of beautiful art.

Now, if your idea of Hatian art is the stereotypical mass reproductions you see EVERYWHERE in the Dominican Republic, then prepare to have your horizons broadened. The art, sculputure and other installations are infused with life and color. Want to buy some art and possiby meet the artist? Look no further than Galeria de Arte Ajoupa.

As my camera is broken (DAMN!!!!), I was not able to get any photos. But, I promise to go back and get some pictures. I met some great people, like Dr. Raymond Thertulien, who along with Cedon Fritzner, are the brains behind this operation. I also chatted up one of the young artists, Ed Vasquez. The photo of one of his paintings (at the top) just doesn't do it justice. You must see his work in person. The space is being transformed, and by March of next year, they should have a small cafe and jazz space, to go along with the beautiful art.

Thanks so much to Ulrick Gaillard for the invite and insisting that I come.

Next time you are in Santo Domingo, please stop by and have a look-see.

Galeria de Arte Ajoupa
Calle Las Mercedes #255
Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
809.682.9134
galart@ajoupaart.com